Introduction

Exhibit "A"

1. Overlapping of calendar dates for meetings.

See attachment "A". For a great many years, the associations and districts holding annual meetings spaced out their meetings in such a manner that each was non-conflicting. As a result, commercial vendors had some caledar space between meetings for doing their normal business. We as that planning committees consider and use the calendar time periods shown.

2. The declining attendance at all such meetings.

Expense cut-backs have affected all businesses and institutions. It is a fact that a great many persons who used to attend both the national and their local meetings, can now only afford one. Attendance suffers and the equity is lost in favor of the meeting and not the exhibitors. Special attention should be, thereforem, made to exhibit space cost and perhaps using table-top space instead of expensive booths, to keep exhibit costs reasonable according to realistic attendance projections.

Smaller Branches may want to consider joining forces with others, to promote attendance for more meaningful meetings, as is being tried in the northeast this year. Some Districts already do this.

 

3. Eliminate specific exhibitor-sponsored functions.

If additional funding, other than registration fees and ehibitor fees are required to produce a satisfactory meeting environment, it is better to increase those fees accordingly, rather than keep requesting extra funding from exhibitors. Thought perhaps should be given to obtaining donations from the companies in the host area who employ animals for research.

The reasoning for this argument is that all exhibitors should equally participate and equally share in any recognition of financial and technical support, i.e. exhibiting and participating in the program. For all delegates and commercial businesses, reconcilliation of cost versus value is becoming a major issue in their sales and accounting departments

4. A standard or at least recognition of the need for some non-compete     hours at such meetings, including the scheduling of breaks in the     program.

Where implemented, the value of planners leaving some time in each day for delegates to visit the exhibits, in addition to short coffee breaks, has proven to be very quitable and appreciated by all.

5. Appropriate name badges.

The number of different existing name badge sizes and designs throughout our industry are as numerous as snowflakes. Name badges are very important and useful tools, but only when easily recognized and read, and not just made for security-at-the-door recognition. We suggest 3" x 4" with large text.

6. The lack of planning consistency, from an exhibitor's point of view, from     one year to the net for most meetings.

The ATA will be glad to appoint an ATA member to any interested planning committee each year. The value of such an appointment is that the person will be versed in official ATA (exhibitor) needs, providing continuity and historical outlook strengths, as well as assisting site selection for adequate space and drayage options and capabilities.

7. Using a "trade show" concept, where vendors can give presentations and     be as commercial as they like.

"Trade shows" are becoming more common. They are usually held prior to the meeting. At these shows, delegates can listen to presentations on new concepts, processes and products that they may be interested in. Speakers can make their presentations in the most favorable light, instead of having to be restricted to a "generic" level. Exhibitors are, after all paying for the privilege.

In summation

The ATA offers these suggestions as a way to strengthen and provide a positive experience for both the attendees and exhibitors now and in the future. We truly appreciate your planning committees' time and consideration on these issues. It is the ATA's sole intent to help and not dictate how future meetings can be succesfully planned in order to provide maximum benefit to attendees and exhibitors alike.